$10k digital funding grants up for grabs

Queensland small businesses wanting to boost their business and increase their digital and online presence can now apply for funding under the latest round
of Small Business Digital Grants.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said business owners can apply for funding of up to $10,000, to purchase hardware such
as drones and 3D printers.

“I am thrilled that this funding will be a welcome boost for small businesses across the state,” Ms Fentiman announced on Thursday, 6 September.

She said the grants will help businesses to work smarter and make the most of online opportunities.

“We want to support Queensland businesses to be able to embrace digital technologies so they can be more competitive and employ more staff.

“Queensland is leading the way with the success of these grants, recently being nationally recognised by a Standing Committee of the Federal Parliament
and it was recommended that a similar program be rolled out Australia wide.”

Since the government’s Advancing Small Business strategy began, more than $8.2 million has been provided in grants to over 1,500 small businesses.

“Recipients of these grants reported that they expect to take on 2,995 new employees because of the funding already provided,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We will help small businesses grow and create even more jobs with the opening of the latest round of our Digital Small Business Grant Program,” she
said.

How can businesses apply?

To be eligible for funding, small businesses must have fewer than 20 employees, have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST,
have a turnover of $2 million or less in the last financial year, and be based in Queensland.

Applications close on 8 October, 2018. For more information including application forms, guidelines, terms and conditions, visit the official government website.